§ MR. W. F. D. SMITH (Strand, Westminster)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, whether it is possible to distribute to local bodies the Government contribution in lieu of rates at an earlier period in each half year, having regard to the fact that local authorities have to meet the precepts from the London County Council and School Board before the Government contribution is paid, and consequently are forced to make a higher rate than would otherwise be necessary?
§ MR. HANBURYThe question of the date of paying the Government contributions in lieu of rates has recently been under consideration, and the Government has decided to pay within the half year in which the rates which form the subject of the contributions are made instead of after its close. My hon. Friend will recollect that a Supplementary Vote of £92,000 was taken last month, in order to enable the Treasury to give immediate effect to this change. Out of this Vote the necessary payments are now being made, and they will be completed before the new financial year opens on the 1st of next month.